Cast in place basements

Cast in place

By James R. Baty II,
Tecnical Director Concrete Foundation Association of North America

When considering the most popular reasons for developing the most cost effective living space, the selection of poured concrete walls must be seen as the most complete embodiment of those reasons. From strength to moisture control, temperature stability to security and everything else in between, a foundation for residential construction built with poured concrete inherently supplies quality to each facet of the desired construction.

Photo #1 Seen from up close, the solid and monolithic concrete wall projects clearly why it provides the only complete solution for preventing moisture migration beginning with the consistent surface of a minimum of 8-in. of high strength concrete. Flexibility to provide the resolution of any design effectively and economically can be seen by simply looking at the complexity of today's "typical" home plan.
Photo #2 Flexibility doesn't just come in the ability to accurately construct the 2-dimension perimeter. Solid concrete walls regularly perform as structural beams to span site conditions and elevations easily. This prevents the need to detail lintels, steel beams or site grading features specifically to support foundation systems that are more modular in nature.
Photo #3 Economy is not simply "inexpensive" but often results more from a combination of cost-effective solutions to a design feature and the ability to manipulate job conditions to capture schedule advantages. As solid concrete walls are placed, they can be readily adapted to deliver the same structural integrity and performance advantages to features that might otherwise be constructed with less permanent and less secure methods.
Photo #4 Solid concrete also provides a "solid foundation" for a myriad of building systems that enhance the already inherent features of the walls themselves. Already an excellent water barrier, the addition of damp- or water-proofing systems achieves an incomparable solution for water conditions that may be unforeseen throughout the life of the site. Insulation as well enhances the unequaled thermal mass characteristics of the solid concrete wall as seen here from the outside layer that is continuous. Finally, the ability to integrate finishes that will complete the design of the completed home such as brick ledges without compromising structural integrity or adding additional material costs displays further flexibility and economy.
Photo #5 Solid concrete continues to provide expanding technologies to further the performance of homes in general. Energy efficiency continues to be one of the most sought and marketed aspects of construction systems. Delivering monolithic, structural concrete with thermal mass combined with layers of 100% continuous insulation not compromised by necessary structural features such as webs, beams and studs results in unparalleled thermal performance. The basement now turned into premium living space becomes the warmest, most consistent and most enjoyable space in the home throughout the year. Delivering a construction system with so many inherent advantages is the goal of companies researching tomorrow's construction methods. How beneficial is it that the system that already embodies all of the characteristics desirable in today's and tomorrow's home has been around for a century and continues to only age better?